Qatar Airways Lands Big at JFK with Its First U.S. Lounge

Qatar Airways will open an exclusive lounge at New York (JFK), marking the airline’s first entry into the U.S. airport lounge market.

The Gulf carrier confirmed in a press release that it will move its New York operations to JFK’s New Terminal One once the long-awaited new building opens its doors to passengers next year.

Photo: New York JFK New Terminal One. Courtesy of JFK NTO

Part of that move will involve the opening of a brand-new, 15,000-square-foot Qatar Airways Business Class lounge.

While exact design and feature details have yet to be confirmed, the new space promises to provide an exclusive area for the airline’s premium passengers to relax, unwind, and recharge before their flights.

What to Expect

The lounge is expected to provide direct access to Qatar Airways’ departure gates and include a range of features and amenities, such as a VIP check-in service, dedicated relaxation zones, prayer rooms, and children’s play areas, along with premium food and drink options and duty-free shopping.

Growing Lounge Network

Qatar’s JFK lounge will become the airline’s sixth airport lounge outside of its primary hub of Doha Hamad (DOH), to which it operates up to 18 weekly flights from JFK.  

Photo: Qatar Airways Al Mourjan business lounge in Doha. Courtesy of Qatar Airways.

The airline’s only other international lounges can be found in Bangkok (BKK), Beirut (BEY), London Heathrow (LHR), Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), and Singapore Changi (SIN).

A Strategic Move at JFK

The airline’s CEO, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said, “We, at Qatar Airways, look forward to launching our operations at JFK Airport’s New Terminal One and welcoming Qatar Airways Business Class passengers to our first-ever exclusive lounge in the U.S.”

Photo: © The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

“Our new state-of-the-art lounge will provide an enhanced experience at each touchpoint and complement our industry-leading Business Class travel experience. From dedicated airport transfers to VIP check-in to the finest of retail and dining options, premium passengers will be offered the World’s Best service at New Terminal One.

“Our move demonstrated the evolution of Qatar Airways’ long-standing commitment to connecting global travellers to New York and expanding our services in the destination integral to our network in the U.S.”

JFK New Terminal One

Qatar Airways is the latest in a string of international airlines that have confirmed they will use JFK’s New Terminal One, part of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s $19 billion expansion project, as their primary base in New York. Other airlines that will be based in the new terminal next year include Air France, Air New Zealand, Etihad, Eva Air, KLM, Korean Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, SAS, and Turkish Airlines.

Photo: © The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

“We thank the Qatar Airways team for their confidence in us as we begin this exciting new chapter together at JFK,” said Jennifer Aument, CEO of the New Terminal One. “As an airline long synonymous with excellence, Qatar Airways’ decision to partner with the New Terminal One reaffirms the strong value we offer international carriers seeking to grow their presence in New York.”